Understanding BJJ Points

The Scoring System Demystified

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is not just about submissions; it’s a game of points, advantages, and strategy. Understanding the BJJ scoring system can be your ticket to success whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned competitor. This article aims to break down the point system in BJJ competitions to help you gain a competitive edge.

The Point Categories

Takedowns: 2 Points

In BJJ, successfully taking your opponent down and establishing control for 3 seconds earns you 2 points.

Sweeps: 2 Points

A sweep occurs when you're on your back and can reverse the positions to end up on top. Like takedowns, you earn 2 points for a successful sweep.

Knee-on-Belly: 2 Points

Establishing a knee-on-belly position for 3 seconds earns you 2 points. This position is advantageous as it allows you to control your opponent while keeping your options open for submissions.

Guard Pass: 3 Points

Passing the guard to a dominant position like side control, mount, or knee-on-belly earns you 3 points. This is considered one of the most difficult tasks in BJJ, hence the higher point value.

Mount and Back Control: 4 Points

Achieving the mount or taking the back control position earns you the highest point yield, 4 points. These are dominant positions from which submissions are more easily attainable.

Getting competition ready for BJJ involves a few key products: a regulation-compliant BJJ Gi for Gi divisions, rash guards and fight shorts for No-Gi, instructional materials to sharpen your strategy and technique, nutrition guides to help you make weight effectively, and training equipment for home practice and physical conditioning. Each item plays a vital role in preparing you physically and mentally, ensuring you meet competition standards and perform at your best.

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The 3 Best Competition Gis

Have an IBJJF Gi is essnetial for any competition.

Tatami Estilo Black Label Gi: The Hayabusa Lightweight Gi blends style and durability, catering to practitioners seeking premium martial arts gear.
KINGZ Ultralight 2.0 Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Gi: Sanabul Essentials V.2 offers unbeatable quality and affordability, perfect for budget-conscious practitioners seeking durability and comfort.
Venum Challenger 4.0 BJJ Gi: Tatami's Estilo Black Label gi embodies the brand's dedication to combining style and functionality, appealing to discerning BJJ practitioners.

The 3 Best Rash Guards

Essential attire to accompany our IBJJF approved gi.

Sanabul Essential Short Sleave Compression Rashguard: Best for - The budget and quality conscious. Known for their affordable yet high-quality gear, Sanabul rash guards are a great choice for practitioners of all levels.
Tatami Fightwear Katakana Short Sleeve Rashguard: Best for - Those seeking durability and performance. A favorite among BJJ athletes, Tatami offers rash guards that blend durability, performance, and unique designs.
Gold BJJ Foundation Rash Guard: The Gold BJJ Foundation Rash Guard is highly regarded among Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners and other combat sports athletes for its superior quality and functionality.

Must-Have Nutritional Supplements

Perform at peak condition by properly hydrating and adding supplements.

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder is ideal for BJJ competitors focusing on muscle recovery and endurance. Its rapid absorption aids in quick muscle repair, essential for the physical demands of BJJ training and competition, supporting peak athletic performance.
Consuming half your body weight in ounces of water per day is crucial for maintaining hydration, especially for athletes. A Nalgene Sustain Tritan BPA-Free Water Bottle, with its 32 oz capacity and measurements in ounces, makes tracking your daily water intake straightforward. To enhance hydration, adding Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier powder packets to your water can provide essential electrolytes, aiding in faster hydration and supporting overall performance and recovery.

Advantages

Advantages are like “mini-points,” awarded for almost successful techniques. For example, if you nearly pass the guard but don’t complete the move, you get an advantage. Advantages are tiebreakers when the points are equal.

Penalties

Not to be forgotten, penalties can turn the tide of a match. Stalling, illegal grips, and certain illegal moves can result in penalties, which in turn give points to your opponent.

Timing and Strategy

Understanding when to push for points and when to go for a submission is critical. Many matches are won or lost in the final seconds, so awareness of the point situation is crucial.

What Points Don’t Tell You

Points are essential, but they don't capture the totality of a match. A fighter who loses on points may have been closer to finishing the fight multiple times. Therefore, while understanding points is essential, it’s not the only measure of skill or effectiveness.

Conclusion

Understanding the scoring system in BJJ is key to competition success. From takedowns to guard passes to the strategic use of advantages, each element plays a crucial role. The more you comprehend the point system, the more refined your game plan can become, allowing you to secure victories and improve as a martial artist.

Frequently Asked Questions: BJJ Points and Scoring Systems

Understanding the point system in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) competitions is crucial for both competitors and spectators. Here are some FAQs that address common queries about the BJJ point system, scoring, and related concepts.

Basics of Scoring

Q: What is the BJJ point system?
A: The BJJ point system is a set of rules that awards points for achieving specific positions or transitions during a match. These points are used to determine the winner if there is no submission.

Q: How does the IBJJF point system work?
A: The International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) has its own standardized point system. Points are generally awarded for takedowns, sweeps, dominant positions, and back control.

Q: Are there different types of BJJ scoring systems?
A: Yes, while the IBJJF point system is the most widely used, some competitions might have slight variations or additional rules, such as advantage points.

Special Concepts

Q: What is the "tipping point" in BJJ?
A: The "tipping point" refers to a moment in a match where a significant action like a sweep or takedown gives one competitor a distinct advantage in points, often changing the momentum of the match.

Q: Can you explain "break point" and "breaking point" in BJJ?
A: In the context of BJJ, "break point" and "breaking point" usually refer to a critical point in a match where one competitor gains a significant advantage in points or positions, which could lead to a win.

Scoring Details

Q: How does Jiu Jitsu scoring work for positions like mount or back control?
A: In most systems, including the IBJJF, taking the mount or back control positions usually scores 4 points.

Q: What are advantage points in BJJ?
A: Advantage points are given for near-successful actions that don't quite meet the criteria for standard points. These can act as tie-breakers.

Q: Can you describe point system variations like "five points jiu jitsu" or "4points BJJ"?
A: These terms typically refer to specific academies or local tournament rules and not a standardized point system. Always check the rules of the specific event you are participating in.

Miscellaneous

Q: What is "high point BJJ"?
A: This term can refer to achieving a high score in a match. It may also refer to academies or tournaments named "High Point BJJ."

Q: Are BJJ rules and points the same across all competitions?
A: While many tournaments follow the IBJJF rules and point system, some may have variations or unique scoring criteria. Always familiarize yourself with the rules of the specific competition you're entering.

Q: What is "Willow Point BJJ" or "Willow Point Brazilian Jiu Jitsu"?
A: These terms usually refer to a specific academy and do not relate to a distinct point system.